brocante and flowers – my french tours for 2016

by Sharon Santoni

As Spring is knocking at the door, 2016 is shaping up to be a lively year here in Normandy.  The Paris Floral Tour that I announced this weekend is already almost full, and will be a fun new event on my calendar.  Paris combined with  flowers, champagne, great teaching and even a picnic at a chateau … my idea of two-day heaven!

mfch - flowers in paris

And March will see the start of the new brocante season.   Here in northern France, all the antique dealers stay open all year around, but the fairs stop during the winter, too cold!.    The first big fair of the season will be on the outskirts   of Paris, and I am excited to tell you that I’ll bring you a video of that one.

Once that big fair is over,  each weekend will see the new round of the country fairs.    Some are better than others, and you have to be in the know to decide where to go.      They start selling at around 5 or 6 in the morning and continue until they have had enough, usually late afternoon.   I love these country escapades, that early morning light, the buzz of anticipation as I get out the car with a basket and head into a fair, small stands lining the streets of stone villages, really not knowing what I may find.

sample pictures from the MFCH brocante tour

Several of my favorite professional buyers are coming back to shop with me during the spring, in fact I already have their wishlists, and have alerted all the antique dealers to keep a look out for the more unusual items.    Shippers are booked, routes are planned and I’ll be taking my vitamins to stay the course!

And then in September I host my fifth  annual group brocante tour.  This is always such a fun week, as my guests and I zoom around Normandy, chauffeur driven, and find treasure behind hidden doors and along narrow paths.   Accommodation is in an 18th century chateau and meals are enjoyed in restaurants and bistros along the way.

At the end of their week, guests who hardly knew each other a few days earlier are the best of friends, and champagne in hand they pack their treasure to take or be shipped home along with many happy memories of this corner of France.

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If you would like to know more about the Brocante Tours or the Paris Floral Tour,  just drop me a line HERE  There are just two places left for the floral event and a handful for the September buying spree – I’d love for you to join us!

15 comments

Taste of France February 25, 2016 - 6:25 pm

Those pictures look so tempting!!! How wonderful to add a floral tour!

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Karena February 25, 2016 - 7:13 pm

Sharon the floral tour is such a great addition to what you offer!
I know this event will fill up quickly and be a favorite!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

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Maryanne Flaherty February 25, 2016 - 7:41 pm

Just make sure you have as much fun as your guests!!!!!!!!!!xo It will be Fabulous!!!!!!!!!

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Jeni Maus February 25, 2016 - 8:42 pm

Counting the days….can’t wait!!!

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Mina February 25, 2016 - 8:56 pm

Hi can you send me some information on the September trip? thank you very much , Mina

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Petra Matthew February 25, 2016 - 9:08 pm

The middle picture on top with the laundry baskets: I use one for my dog to sleep in. Looks a lot nicer than a regular dog basket!

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linda germain February 25, 2016 - 9:45 pm

Please advise as to cost of september 2016 tour and any details you can supply.
Thanks

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Madeline Margraves February 25, 2016 - 10:41 pm

Sharon,
Could you give me the dates of the Foire de Chatou in September 2016?
I will be in Paris at the end of September and would love to take my husband to that wonderful Foire! One of my favorites.
Thanks,
Madeline in Texas

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Vicky from Athens February 26, 2016 - 12:50 am

The rosaries in the first picture are so beautiful. I wish you’d put some in your shop!

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Ruth Barrick February 26, 2016 - 2:26 am

I would like to know all the details of the September tour. I would be travelling solo. I am not a seasoned traveler.

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Hildred Sullivan February 26, 2016 - 3:33 am

Could you please send me details of the September trip, too? I hope to round up a friend or two.

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stacey snacks February 26, 2016 - 3:42 pm

We will be in Paris 2/21………….maybe I will join you! Wouldn’t that be fun?
xo

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Pam February 28, 2016 - 7:17 am

Hi Sharon!!

You have the perfect tour! Who wouldn’t want to see beautiful flowers? Spring is coming-up and all flowers with it…I can’t wait to see them and smell their beautiful fragrance!

Have a great week Sharon!

Pam
xox

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Susan February 28, 2016 - 8:34 am

Hi Sharon, are you by chance doing a May Brocante Tour this year?
Kind regards Susan

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Olivia February 29, 2016 - 5:57 pm

Hi,

could you send more details about the flower tour and if there is still some places on it ?
I’m a parisian girl but would love to learn more about the subject…

Thank you !

Reply

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